Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park Travel Blog

After driving for a few hours... we entered Yosemite Park. Wow...we were blown away by it. When Mum learnt we were headed to Yosemite, she got a little excited and told me stories of sitting on top of Half Dome. I couldn't hand her bragging rights by visiting the park, and not equalling her efforts .. so given our short time frame to see the park, we ambitiously decided that we'd attempt the pinnacle of day hikes within Yosemite - Half Dome. We did a bit of reading as asked around about it. It was a 10-12 hour hike up 5000ft. We didn't really know what to expect as we hadn't done much hiking.

We made some lunch the day before, slept in a lodge an hour down the road, then got up at 4 am for our day's hiking.

Sun Rising casting shadow looking back into Yosemite Valley

We were at the trailhead at 6am sharp and set out. Perfect timing.... not too many people. It was a reasonable walk, but we reached the top in 3 1/2 hours. The last stretch made us both a little nervous as it's quite steep, and there were a few people who turned around as it freaked them out too much. But we made it that far and couldn't turn around, so up we went..... well worth it. Amazing views of Yosemite Valley. If you're ever in this area of town, it's a must.

We completed the hike in under 8 hours quite comfortably were chuffed with ourselves. A great day out, and an even better nights sleep afterwards!!!

Saturday, we checked out the Giant Sequioa's which were very impressive.... redwoods thousands of years old! then headed back to LA for a little R & R before we head to Mexico on Monday!!! Vamos a Mejico!!!!